Eaglets can win UAE 2013 –Adepoju, Baruwa

Mutiu Adepoju
| credits: supersport.com

Ex-internationals Mutiu Adepoju, Abiodun Baruwa  and Teslim Fatusi are backing the Golden Eaglets to go all the way at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Nigeria on Tuesday hammered Iran 4-1  to set up a quarterfinal clash with South American powerhouse Uruguay on Saturday.

And the former Super Eagles trio, who praised the team’s  winning mentality, believe the Eaglets have the quality to beat Mexico 2011 runners-up Uruguay and progress to win the trophy.

“The boys demonstrated that they are eager to win and that is very important if you want to win games,” Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations Adepoju was quoted by the News agency of Nigeria as saying on Wednesday.

“They should not relent in their efforts. I wish them the best in their  games.”

Former Eagles goalkeeper Baruwa urged the Eaglets to focus on Saturday’s game. He said they should not bothered about tournament favourites Brazil.

“It’s good that all the national teams are doing well at the same period,” the ex-Shooting Stars keeper told our correspondent online.

“I’m  sure the Eaglets will  get even stronger as the  tournament progresses. We should not be afraid of Brazil. Even with Brazil we can do it.”

Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold medallist Fatusi warned that the team must   not get carried away by the victory over Iran.

“I must commend the team for their victory over Iran and they must remain focused in this crucial stage of the competition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eaglets assistant coach Nduka Ugbade has promised that the team will avoid mistakes against Uruguay.

Ugbade, who lamented Iran’s goal against Nigeria, said the defensive problems  in the team would be taken care of.

He said, “The goal was like a fluke and that was a lapse on the players because there were three of them in the 18-yard box. None of them tried enough to stop it.

“The players have been warned to be careful inside the 18-yard box and I guess we still have a lot of tutoring to do, so that things can be perfect.”